Re[2]: Warranty?

From: Guy Prince (biggles@ricochet.net)
Date: Thu Oct 26 2000 - 11:40:50 EDT


   Excellent. I printed it out and put it on my wall.

> "Federal law sets forth requirements for warranties and contains a number of
> provisions to prevent vehicle manufacturers, dealers and others from unjustly
> denying warranty coverage. With regard to aftermarket parts, the gist of the
> law is that warranty coverage cannot be denied simply because such parts are
> present on the vehicle, or have been used. (see Attachment A for details). The
> warranty coverage can be denied only if the aftermarket part caused the
> malfunction or damage for which warranty coverage is sought. Disputes in this
> area usually boil down to arguments over facts and technical opinions, rather
> than arguments over interpretations of the law."

> ATTACHMENT A

> "Federal Warranty Laws
> 1.The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C))

> This federal law regulates warranties for the protection of consumers. The
> essence of this law concerning aftermarket auto parts is that a vehicle
> manufacturer may not condition a written or implied warranty on the consumers
> using parts or services which are identified by brand, trade, or corporate name
> (such as the vehicle makers brand) unless the parts or service are provided
> free of charge. The law means that the use of an aftermarket part alone is not
> cause for denying the warranty. However, the law's protection does not extend
> to aftermarket parts in situations where such parts actually caused the damage
> being claimed under the warranty. Further, consumers are advised to be aware of
> any specific terms or conditions stated in the warranty which may result in its
> being voided. The law states in relevant part:

> “No warrantor of a consumer product may condition his written or implied
> warranty of such product on the consumers using, in connection with such
> product, any article or service (other than article or service provided without
> charge under the terms of the warranty) which is identified by brand, trade or
> corporate name....” (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)).

> 2. Clean Air Act Warranty Provisions (42 U.S.C. S 7541 (C) (3) (B))

> The federal Clean Air Act requires vehicle makers to provide two emissions-
> related warranties -- a production warranty and a performance warranty. The
> production warranty requires the vehicle maker to warrant that the vehicle is
> designed, built and equipped so that it conforms with emissions requirements at
> the time of sale. The performance warranty requires the vehicle maker to
> warrant that the vehicle will comply with applicable emissions requirements as
> tested under state vehicle emissions inspection programs for the warranty
> periods specified in the law (for model year 1995 and later vehicles, the
> warranty is 2 years/24,000 miles for all emissions-related parts and 8
> years/80,000 miles for the catalytic converter, electronic emissions control
> unit and on-board diagnostic device). The performance warranty is conditioned
> on the vehicle being properly maintained and operated.

> Like the Magnuson-Moss Act, vehicle manufacturers may not refuse warranty
> repairs under the Clean Air Acts performance and defect warranties merely
> because aftermarket parts have been installed on the vehicle. The only
> circumstance under which the vehicle manufacturer can void the emissions
> warranties is if an aftermarket part is responsible for (causes) the warranty
> claim."

>> I ran out to my truck, a 1999, to get the warranty book.
>>
>> It says here:
>>
>> "As the vehicle owner, you should also be aware that Chrysler
>> Motors may deny your warranty coverage if your vehicle or a
>> part has failed due to abuse, neglect, improper maintenance or
>> unapproved modifications."
>>
>> That seems pretty damn vague. And then the question arises,
>> "where do I get approved for my mods?"
>>
>> Guy



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